Merit-Based Health Care Act

Idaho Legislative Events

Published April 1st, 2026

Detected April 3rd, 2026

Summary

Idaho Governor signed H0928 into law on April 2, 2026, establishing the Merit-Based Health Care Act. The bill passed the House 56-14 and the Senate 29-6 after multiple amendments. The act adds to existing state law to create merit-based requirements for health care coverage in Idaho.

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What changed

Idaho H0928 establishes the Merit-Based Health Care Act by adding provisions to existing state law. Sponsored by the House Ways and Means Committee, the bill cleared the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and passed both chambers with strong majorities before receiving the governor's signature on April 2, 2026, effective April 1, 2026.

Healthcare providers, insurers, and employers offering health benefit plans should monitor for implementing regulations or guidance from Idaho state agencies. Entities should review current health care coverage structures to identify areas requiring adjustment under the new merit-based framework once specific requirements are promulgated.

What to do next

Monitor Idaho state agency publications for implementing regulations under the Merit-Based Health Care Act
Review existing health benefit plan structures for compliance with new merit-based requirements
Consult with legal counsel regarding operational adjustments needed for the new act

Source document (simplified)

ChangeBridge / Idaho / H0928 Signed by Governor H0928 H Signed by Governor 2026-04-02

Adds to existing law to establish the Merit-Based Health Care Act.

MERIT-BASED HEALTH CARE -- Adds to existing law to establish the Merit-Based Health Care Act.

Bill Details

State Idaho

Session 2026 Regular Session

Chamber House

Official Source legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/leg...

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Action History

2026-04-02 H Reported Signed by Governor on April 2, 2026 Session Law Chapter Effective: 2026-04-01 H Delivered to Governor at 4:12 p.m. on April 1, 2026 2026-04-01 H Returned Signed by the President; Ordered Transmitted to Governor 2026-04-01 S Signed by President; returned to House 2026-04-01 S Received from the House enrolled/signed by Speaker 2026-04-01 H Reported Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to Senate 2026-03-31 H to enrol 2026-03-31 H Title apvd 2026-03-31 H Rules Suspended: 2026-03-31 H Read first time as amended in Senate; Filed for Second Reading 2026-03-31 H Reported Engrossed; Filed for First Reading of Engrossed Bills 2026-03-30 H Bills as Amended Referred to JRA for Engrossing 2026-03-30 H Returned from the Senate Amended; Held at Desk 2026-03-30 H House Concurred in Senate Amendments 2026-03-30 H Returned from the Senate Amended; Held at Desk 2026-03-30 S to House 2026-03-30 S Title apvd 2026-03-30 S Read third time as amended in the Senate -- PASSED 29-6-0 2026-03-27 S Read second time as amended in the Senate, filed for Third Reading 2026-03-26 S Read first time as amended in the Senate; Filed for Second Reading 2026-03-26 S Amendments reported printed 2026-03-26 S Reported out as amended; filed for first reading 2026-03-26 S Amendments ordered printed 2026-03-26 S Placed in the Committee of the Whole 2026-03-25 S Reported out of committee; to 14th Order for amendment 2026-03-23 S Introduced, read first time; referred to: Health & Welfare 2026-03-23 S Received from the House passed; filed for first reading 2026-03-20 H to Senate 2026-03-20 H Title apvd 2026-03-20 H Read Third Time in Full -- PASSED 56-14-0 2026-03-19 H Read second time; Filed for Third Reading 2026-03-18 H Reported Printed; Filed for Second Reading 2026-03-18 H Introduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing